Match-fixing scandal rocks international cricket: Bishnoi gang allegedly linked to T20 World Cup

TORONTO: Fresh revelations in a match-fixing scandal during the T20 World Cup have sent shockwaves through the international cricketing community. Investigations suggest that the group-stage match between Canada and New Zealand was fixed, with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly behind the operation.

The ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has launched a probe into the performance of Canadian captain Dilpreet Bajwa.

• Suspicious Performance: Concerns were raised over an over bowled by Bajwa against New Zealand, where he conceded an excessive number of runs.
• ACU Action: The ACU has already questioned Bajwa and seized his mobile phone for forensic examination.
• The Bishnoi Connection: According to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Bishnoi gang—implicated in high-profile crimes including the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala—was instrumental in installing Bajwa as the captain of the Canadian team.

The CBC report suggests the conspiracy began in July 2025 at a restaurant in Surrey, British Columbia. Members of the Bishnoi gang reportedly approached a national team player, demanding support for Dilpreet Bajwa and another young player within the squad.

The gang allegedly threatened to kill the player and his family if he refused to cooperate. A person named Noah, who is also under investigation, claimed that within 40 minutes of resisting, he received a threatening image on his phone.

The scandal has also touched the top brass of the sporting body:

• Arwinder Khosa (President, Cricket Canada): Alleged to be involved, though he has dismissed the claims as "politically motivated."
• Serious Accusations: Serious allegations have surfaced suggesting that former coach Khurram Chohan was pressured by former president Amjad Bajwa and CEO Salman Khan to fix matches.

Due to a surge in shootings and kidnappings targeting the South Asian community, the Canadian government recently designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization.